Typically, pain around your foot is not a life-threatening condition. But it can impact your quality of life or cause further complications when untreated. Eazy Foot & Ankle offers Pico Robertson, Beverly Hills heel pain, a unique approach to diagnosis and therapy.
Where does heel pain occur?
Back of the foot
Heel pain can occur at different sites on your foot. When it affects the bottom of the heel, it is often due to inflammation and the degeneration of the plantar fascia tissue. The plantar fascia is tissue running from the base of the toes to the back of the foot.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by excessive pressure on the foot when walking or jogging. Strain from overuse diminishes the elasticity of the plantar fascia tissue.
You may start noticing pain when you increase the frequency of walking or jogging. The type of shoe and the structure of your foot may make you more susceptible to plantar fasciitis.
Achilles tendonitis
Another type of heel pain that occurs due to repetitive stress is Achilles tendonitis. The condition typically affects the tissue running from the heel to the calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis is common with athletes and people in occupations like construction.
You can manage the inflammation from mild cases of Achilles tendonitis with home care remedies. But it is essential to schedule a visit with your provider if you are experiencing unbearable pain. Severe Achilles tendonitis may cause tendon tears, requiring extensive surgical procedures.
Lateral foot pain
Another type of heel pain occurs on the side of the foot and ankle. You may experience soreness, redness, and foot instability. It makes walking or standing on the injured foot challenging.
Ankle sprains are responsible for more than 80% of lateral foot pain cases. It occurs after excessive strain on the foot’s ligaments without leaving a fracture.
Arthritis and stress fractures may also lead to lateral foot pain. Cracks on the metatarsals, the foot’s outer bones, can occur after strenuous activities and intense sports. The fractures can worsen the lateral foot pain symptoms.
Heel pain self-care and home remedies
Self-care and home remedies can relieve mild symptoms of different types of foot pain. Use an icepack on the swollen area for 20 minutes at a time. Compressing the foot with a bandage could help minimize inflammation and limit the movement of tendons and ligaments.
Rest and an adjustment of your lifestyle habit and daily routine could be all you need to prevent heel pain. For example, when exercising, increase your intensity gradually to allow your ligaments and tendons to warm up.
Also, regularly stretching your calf muscles prevents unnecessary injuries during exercise or strenuous activities. Ensure your shoes are comfortable but with a firm arch under the foot. You can add arch support if your shoes don’t have it.
If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will provide suitable therapies to restore the foot’s function and avoid complications.
Contact Eazy Foot & Ankle to schedule your heel pain appointment today.
